Yahtzeit Candles

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Wednesday 27 September 1944, 10:00 PM

Good evening Dearest,
     Just got back from the movie. The picture was "The Whistler" with Richard Dix. I think we saw it together in Diego. Anyway, it was something to pass the time away.
     This has been a rather uneventful day. Worked this morning and after lunch got permission to attend the Yizkor Service. The service was simple and the sermon to the point. There were three Yahtzeit candles burning in the pulpit. One memorializing the parents of those present who had passed on, the second in memory of the Jews who had been killed by the Nazis in Europe and the third in memory of our shipmate and comrades who gave their lives in this war. Wish you could have heard the sermon. The essence of it is that no one lives a complete life. All die leaving work to be done and it is up to the living to continue and finish the job that those that have gone one started.
     When I returned I found another letter from you. The news and tone of the missive made me feel much better. Now that Norma is well and you have someone to help you I hope that you'll take it easy and not wear yourself out or worry about me.
     Now for the quiz program. I don't know about the candy situation because I've never gone out to buy any. However I still have some of the taffies left so you can forget that. As far as Xmas gifts forget that also. If I want to pass any out I'll be able to handle it OK. And "do you really like my picture?" Silly girl. I'm nuts about it though I must say that a smile will go a long, long way. A snap showing that you can still smile will make me very happy. That is all for now dear, I'll finish in the morning. Good night dearest.

Thursday 28 September 1944, 7:55 AM

     Good morning Sweet, how about a nice hug and kiss. Mm, thank you. Gee, we sure slept well last night, didn't we. The kids didn't make a sound all night, guess they're all well now. Swell!!
     Well dear, the isn't much more to tell since last night. I read a magazine for about half an hour after I got into my sack and then turned the light out. This morning seems fresh and cool. Had my usual juice and coffee for breakfast and soon my first patient will be here. Do you remember how, at times, you'd get up and join me when I had my coffee-cake and milk before I dashed off to work? Those were the days. After this war you and I will do everything together, even down to eating breakfast.
     And so, my love, my darling, I must close again. I'll be with you again this evening. Until then

With all my love

Gil

P.S. When shall I begin addressing mail to 714 Euclid?

Kol Nidre Service

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

 USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Tuesday 26 September 1944,9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Just got back from the Kol Nidre service and found six letters waiting for me. You see I had liberty today. I didn't get back to the ship until it was time to go to the service so the exec and I shoved off immediately. The Captain hasn't attended any of the services as far as I know. I enjoyed this service much more than the last one because the place was much larger and cooler. The service itself was quite simple and the sermon was one that could well be repeated in all houses of worship. But then the chaplain wasn't at all concerned about keeping his pulpit or pleasing Mr. and Mrs. Gotrock who contributed lavishly to the building fund. He spoke his mind and we listened and liked it.
     While on liberty today I bought a couple of cute pinafores for the kids. Both are alike. I hope they fit because they set me back $8.80. Glad pay day is soon because with all the shopping I've done I have very little left. Besides I will have to pay $25.00 to the mess out of my next pay which will leave me about $35 for the next two weeks.
     This garden cafe I mentioned turned out to be a private club that opened its doors to officers. Because they close at 7:00 P.M. all one can do there is drink and eat. I imagine though that they've really had some beautiful affairs when times were normal.
     You ask if I enjoy your long letters. That is what I and all the others aboard live for, a letter from home. Regarding the San Diego business you ask about, everything is OK. As far as my getting back to the states before my present tour of duty is up, the chances are very slim indeed. I'll consider any such event as "manna" from heaven.
     Regarding music, how about sending along those dime store booklets you purchased last year. Also send along the music notes I have. There is a piano and I might find time to practice if I had the chords and base forms to follow. There are two note books, send them both.
     Will finish in the morning dear, good night and sleep well.

Wednesday 10:45 AM

     Good morning Sweet. Did you sleep well? Did both our girls behave all night and not disturb you?
     This has been a busy morning and this is the first free time I've had. No more mail this morning but all the letters I got yesterday afternoon should keep me until 1:00 PM when I'll look for more. I got a letters from the "Gs", Deb and Dave, Miss Earnest and three from my Sweetheart. Sounds like you had a busy week-end planned and now that Norma is well again you should take it easy and not overdo.
     Tomorrow my photos should be ready and I'll send them right along. Will know more about Xmas card by then also (I hope)
     There is no use trying to guess where we are going next. I don't know so how can I tell you. We will probably receive casualties because we are equipped to handle them but we won't be a hospital ship and when we get there it'll be all over but the shouting.
     Do you remember how I always wanted to be on the go and never wished to stay home? Well dear after this war I'll be satisfied to remain anywhere as long as I have you and our girls with us.
     Enough for now dear. I want to get this off right away. Goodbye for now, will visit with you again tonight.

With all my love,

Gil

Photo of Gil